Essential information for Cuba

When to go

Holidays to Cuba are known for sunshine, and an optimum time to visit for guaranteed sun is in Cuba’s dry season, which begins in November and runs through until May of the following year.

As a Caribbean island, tropical storms show up from time to time during the wet season – from June to October. Hurricanes can occur at the end of the year but are rare, averaging once every three years. Book cheap Cuba holidays during this time and you may see some dramatic showers, but you’ll still be treated to tropical temperatures and sunbathing potential most of the time.

Health and safety

As with any trip, you should take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you’re visiting Cuba specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this.

See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/health.

Passports and Visas

When visiting Cuba, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. To get to Cuba, you’ll also need to register for a tourist card. Many package holidays have the £15 card as part of the deal, but it’s best to check before you travel, as you can’t enter Cuba without one. Holders of the tourist card get 30 days to enjoy Cuba.

For more information and to apply for a tourist card, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements.

Currency

Cuba has two forms of currency – the Cuban Peso (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). The major legal currency for Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso, CUC, and most tourists will only ever deal with CUC.

As with many countries, you can’t buy the currency in advance, but purchase it when you arrive in Cuba. You will exchange your foreign currency for CUC, which can be used for virtually all purchases, although it can be handy to have some CUP on you if you’re travelling outside of a resort area.

You can exchange your CUC to CUP at a bank, airport or cadeca money exchange. You get about 24 of them for 1 Convertible Peso. You can pay for taxi fares in either currency but if you leave a tip, leave it in CUC.

Getting around

Cuba has good public transport links and roads to drive along that are well maintained. You’re going to find it pretty easy to get from A to B, with several options open to you, from car and boat rental to cycle hire and buses.

Book an All Inclusive holiday to Cuba and you’ll find that airport transfers are included as part of your package, making arriving at your destination easy. Check with your tour operator of you’re booking a Self Catering or Half Board holiday, as many other options feature transport too.

Advice for travellers with children

The warm family feel of Cuban hospitality is going to make it reassuring for families to explore the island. Beaches are well maintained, while cities like Havana and Santa Clara are a good choice for travellers with children, although they can get pretty noisy. Luckily, you’ve got lots to see and do, so nobody’s going to get bored any time soon

Electricity

Connector type: US flat two pin plug Voltage Info: 110 volts

You can pick up a converter in airports and online.

Emergency information

Police: 106

Ambulance: 104

Fire brigade: 105

British consulate

If you’re a victim of crime, lose your passport, are affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Havana.

Address: Calle 34 no. 702 esq 7m, Miramar, Playa, La Habana, 11300, Cuba

Email: UkinCuba@fco.gov.uk

Phone: +53 7214 2200

Website: www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-havana/office/british-embassy-havana.

You must book an appointment to visit the consulate in person. It’s open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 1pm Friday.

Hospital

One of Cuba’s best hospitals is to be found in Havana, close to the port and central for ease of access.

Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras

Address: Calle San Lazaro, no. 701, Ctro. Habana

Phone: +297 568 1084